Medieval Occupations
Many occupations
and jobs were necessary for Medieval society to function.
Not only did a profession serve to earn a living but it
also became a means of identity for the people who held
various jobs. Many common surnames stemmed from the
profession a person had during the Medieval Ages.
Surnames were not frequently used as there were many
clans and castes of people.
To illustrate this point, open your telephone book and
see how many of these last names appear: Baker, Smith,
Bower, Fletcher, Brewer, Butcher, Carpenter, Cartwright,
Cook, Dyer, Farmer, Forester, Gardener, Hatter, Herald,
Hunter, Mason, Miller, Miner, Painter, Potter, Shepherd,
Shoemaker and Weaver. It was very common in the Medieval
Ages to refer to someone as "James the
Shoemaker" or "Paul the Baker". Thus many
surnames originated into families that still exist today.
To learn more about Medieval Occupations, follow the link
below.
Another Medieval
Occupation Link
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